Advanced Placement

AP Registration Powerpoint

Advanced Placement Program at Kennedy Parent Night Presentation

Grit, Persistence, Effort…

There is a stigma associated with AP courses that needs to be undone. Too often, AP courses are designated for “the smart kids”. What we fail to measure and understand is that any student is capable of taking an AP course provided they are willing to grow their intelligence. This requires work and effort but is possible for all students. Please view the growth mindset video below which discusses this in more detail.

The Power of belief -- mindset and success | Eduardo Briceno | TEDxManhattanBeach

What is Advanced Placement?

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program of college-level courses and exams that give motivated students the opportunity to earn credit for college while they are still in high school. There are many benefits for students who take AP courses, including the chance to study new and challenging subjects, discover new interests, and get a jump start on their college career.

How do AP courses work?

The AP Program is divided into 2 components:

- A yearlong course of study
- A nationally coordinated exam

Most AP courses are yearlong and provide more intense and rigorous study than other courses at Kennedy. Because of this, all AP courses carry weighted grades. This means that an “A” in an AP course is worth more points than an “A” in a regular class. This can help raise a student’s overall GPA.

A

=

5.00

C

=

3.00

A-

=

4.67

C-

=

2.67

B+

=

4.33

D+

=

2.33

B

=

4.00

D

=

2.00

B-

=

3.67

D-

=

1.67

C+

=

3.33

F

=

0.00

The nationally coordinated exams are given over a 2-week period in May. If students score a 3 or higher on the exam, they may be exempt from taking the course in college. Although requirements vary from college to college, most colleges accept grades of 3 or higher

Why take AP courses?

- AP allows high school students to take courses that are challenging, rigorous, and in-depth – exactly the kinds of courses they will face once they are in college.
- By earning credit from their AP courses, students are then free to pursue a double major, to study or travel abroad, or to combine a bachelor’s and master’s program.
- AP classes provide the groundwork for the disciplines they will need to succeed at the college level.

More than 90% of colleges and universities grant exemptions from introductory courses to students who have successfully completed an AP program. Students can be granted up to a full year’s credit by a college or university upon completion of a number of AP programs. So a student could actually start college with sophomore standing.